There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see major savings in energy bills and an improvement in your home’s comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often referred to as a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system has a second heat exchanger that captures extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside via PVC pipes.
If you’re not sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. More Manageable Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on energy costs in the long run.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace uses natural gas for generating heat. The higher the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Improved Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to provide comfortable heat during all types of weather and in very cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces often will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of turning on high all the time, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Reduced Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn’t have to run as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is particularly beneficial for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Better Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-friendly solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s earned this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
Along with the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Peak Performance When Combined with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners have a programmable thermostat for their gas furnace but have no clue how to use it. A 192-person study released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn’t know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are located but didn’t know how to change them.
With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to be wondering about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temp. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies frequently offer big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Get Your Free Estimate Today for Your High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to balance out the initial cost, why not take advantage and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to address any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and sorting through higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 515-207-6569 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Des Moines and surrounding locations since {year}, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.